Why is the sky blue?

The answer has to do with molecules.

Daniel Freedman, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 ~6 min

Why does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph to escape Earth?

A rocket needs to overcome the force of gravity to leave Earth behind.

Benjamin L. Emerson, Principal Research Engineer, School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Jan. 13, 2025 ~7 min


What is a war crime?

Wars always include killings and destruction, but there are limits. An expert in international law explains the rules of war laid out in the Geneva Conventions − and why they’re so hard to enforce.

Hurst Hannum, Professor of International Law, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University • conversation
Jan. 6, 2025 ~8 min

How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up?

The International Space Station is an engineering feat that has led to countless scientific discoveries. Like the thousands of satellites in orbit, it manages to stay up in the atmosphere.

Kelly Griendling, Lecturer of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 ~8 min

What is the universe expanding into if it’s already infinite?

The universe is constantly expanding, but how do scientists think about what it’s expanding into?

Nicole Granucci, Instructor of Physics, Quinnipiac University • conversation
Dec. 9, 2024 ~8 min

Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are

The brain science behind the power struggle between parents and their children.

Annie Pezalla, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, Macalester College • conversation
Dec. 2, 2024 ~5 min

Is it possible to dig all the way through the Earth to the other side?

There’s a lot of hot rock in the way, and sooner or later your hole would collapse.

Andrew Gase, Assistant Professor of Geoscience, Boise State University • conversation
Nov. 25, 2024 ~7 min

Why do I feel better when I wake myself up instead of relying on an alarm? A neurologist explains the science of a restful night’s sleep

You can train your brain to wake up on time naturally.

Beth Ann Malow, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University • conversation
Nov. 18, 2024 ~7 min


Why does everything look flat even though the Earth is round?

It’s all about perspective: The higher you go, the more you can see the curve.

Kelly R. MacGregor, Professor of Geology, Macalester College • conversation
Nov. 11, 2024 ~5 min

How can Jupiter have no surface? A dive into a planet so big, it could swallow 1,000 Earths

Jupiter’s composition is more similar to that of the Sun than that of the Earth.

Benjamin Roulston, Assistant Professor of Physics, Clarkson University • conversation
Nov. 4, 2024 ~7 min

/

20